Private 4h Tour in Warsaw Old Town

Sigismund's Column is the oldest public memorial in Warsaw, but it is not in its original location. It was moved when the axis of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street was changed in the 19th century and again after World War II during the development of the WZ route. On September 2, 1944, the column was brought down by German troops. The reconstruction of the statue and the column itself was completed in 1949. Earlier columns are exhibited next to the walls of the King's Castle (as seen from the direction of the WZ route). The column is one of the city's key symbols, yielding only to the Mermaid, which is the most recognizable symbol of Poland's capital city.

Old Town — the city was founded at a spot on the river that was conducive to trade — on the main route between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. Wealthy tradesmen and craftsmen took up residence here, which supported the rapid growth of the settlement. The face of the city changed over the centuries: wooden structures destroyed in fires were replaced by masonry tenement houses and earthen ramparts were replaced by stone walls. A town hall was built in 1429 (which no longer exists), along with a parish church (currently the Cathedral of St. John), defensive towers and a barbican. But 1944 brought near total destruction as 90 percent of the Old Town area was razed to the ground. The reconstruction took many years, and ended with a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Royal Castle gained royal-residence status in the 16th century, when the Masovia region joined the Crown. Destroyed multiple times (during the Deluge, and the annexation of Poland), it was repeatedly rebuilt and stood until the beginning of World War II, when it was bombed in the first days of the conflict and almost completely destroyed by fire. Some of its priceless works of art were, luckily, carried out of the building in time, and subsequently hidden. However, the remaining works were plundered and, in 1944, the castle was blown up in retaliation for the Warsaw Uprising. The decision to reconstruct the castle was made much later, in 1971. Work was financed in most part thanks to the generosity of the community. The site was opened to visitors in 1984. It was later placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as an example of a successful, faithful reconstruction of an historic structure.

St. John's Cathedral is one of Warsaw's oldest churches. Every Sunday at 4 PM, from July to September, concerts take place here as part of the International Organ Music Festival. Multiple historic events took place in this church, including the Constitution of May 3 oath — the first of its kind in Europe. The crypt holds the tombs of many historical figures. Of these, the Chapel-Mausoleum of the Primate of the Millennium is of special interest.

The Old Town Marketplace is surrounded by tenement buildings housing exquisite restaurants, cafes and clubs, as well as galleries and museums. The central square has recently been adorned with a statue of the city's symbol — the Warsaw Mermaid. The marketplace was subdivided into four sections, in recognition of Warsaw's enlightenment activists: Kołłątaj, Dekert, Barss, and Zakrzewski.

The Barbican, previously a strategic part of the city's defensive walls, today attracts painters exhibiting their work and musicians helping visitors enjoy their walks around the Old Town. It was built in 1548, as part of approximately 4,000 feet of defensive ramparts. From May to October there is an interesting exhibition inside the Barbican's walls with historical photos of Warsaw and models of the defensive lines and towers (no longer in existence). By comparing the photos and old plans with the Old Town's current shape, you can easily imagine what the Barbican looked like in the past, and what the heart of Warsaw would be like had it not been for the destruction of the war.

The Monument of the Warsaw Uprising depicts groups of insurgents during battle. The Warsaw Uprising, which ended in defeat and the death of 200,000 Poles, was one of the bloodiest and most painful moments in the modern history of Poland and Warsaw. Krasiński Palace (Palace of the Republic) was initially a residence of Jan Krasiński, the Prefect of Warsaw. It currently hosts special collections for the National Library. The palace is regarded as Warsaw's most enchanting Baroque structure. Its many reliefs are inspired by antique works. The park behind the palace is an excellent place for a walk and a bit of relaxation. This was initially one of the first such sites available to all of the city's residents, regardless of their social status. The green building next to the palace and across the street is the recently-built seat of the Supreme Court.

Miodowa Street is a narrow street, full of life and lined with ancient, luxurious residences. Number 24 (on the left of the street) used to host the Collegium Nobilium — the first school for the young of the ruling elite. It currently houses the Academy of Theatre. Number 17 (on the left) is the residence of the Primate of Poland — the Palace of Warsaw's Archbishops, erected in the 18th century. Number 16 (on the right) is Warsaw's only Eastern Catholic Church. Pac Palace, housing the Ministry of Health, is next to the Primate's residence. Another building worth taking a peek at is the Church of the Capuchins. The right side of its altar features the heart of Jan III Sobieski (its founder). Further on, you can enjoy a view of the Monument of Warsaw's Heroes, commonly called the Monument of Nike.

The Theatre Square is bordered on its right by the Late Baroque Blank Palace. Behind this is Jabłonowski Palace, which used to function as the city hall before World War II. The building was razed to the ground during the war, and rebuilt in the 1990s. However, only the façade and the clock tower remain from its original design. Don't forget to walk through the gate under the tower to see the foundations lain in the 19th century. The Grand Theatre is a huge, Classicist building facing Jabłonowski Palace. It is the seat of the National Opera and the National Theatre. Its opera stage is one of the largest in Europe. Enchanting interiors, featuring cut glass chandeliers, a spacious foyer with columns and impressive floor tiling can all be seen if you attend a performance. Theatre Square ends with the Petrykus Tenement House, erected in 1821, which houses multiple restaurants and clubs, highly valued by Warsaw citizens.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - this symbolic tomb commemorates the millions of soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for Poland's freedom. Buried here are the ashes of a defender of Lvov and an urn with soil from the battlefields of World War I. Today, the tomb contains urns from every battlefield where Polish troops fell in the last century. An eternal flame is maintained next to the tomb. It is watched over by a military honour guard, which changes daily at noon.

The former Royal Route stretches from Zamkowy Square to Trzech Krzyży Square. Must-see sights on the Route include: St. Anne's Church (and the view from the church tower), the Polonia House (once the Museum of Industry and Trade, where Maria Skłodowska-Curie worked), the Radziwiłł Palace (the current residence of the President of Poland), the Warsaw University campus with Kazimierzowski Palace, Czapski Palace (Academy of Fine Arts) and elegant stores and restaurants on Nowy Świat Street — an extension of Krakowskie Przedmieście Street.